Outdoor Air Quality

A common environmental hazard is air pollution. Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources.

Air pollution affects air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency developed the Air Quality Index as an indication of how clean or polluted the outdoor air is, along with associated health effects that may be of concern. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.

If you experience symptoms of poor air quality (eye irritation, scratchy throat, dry cough), move indoors and limit strenuous activity. Groups at high-risk for more serious symptoms include people with asthma, respiratory conditions, and heart diseases.

To find the local air quality, visit this site: airnow.gov.

DNR also has a dashboard showing real-time air quality conditions from around the state: airquality.wi.gov

AQI Basics for Ozone and Particle Pollution Table

You can also download a guide on particle pollution to help reduce your exposure and protect your health.